Step 1: Understanding the pH range for plant tissue culture.
For successful plant tissue culture, the nutrient medium's pH typically needs to be within a slightly acidic range to encourage cell growth and development.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) 2 to 4.2: Incorrect. This pH range is too acidic for most plant tissue cultures.
(2) 5 to 5.8: Correct. This is the optimal pH range for many plant tissue cultures.
(3) 7 to 7.5: Incorrect. This is more neutral but not ideal for tissue culture.
(4) 8 to 9.5: Incorrect. This pH range is too alkaline for most plant tissue cultures.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (2) 5 to 5.8, as this pH range is ideal for plant tissue culture.